Marsh Seat with Spherical Base for Stability on Soft Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seats for duck hunting on soft surfaces, such as mud, are unstable on uneven terrain due to the use of pointed stakes or flat bases, which become loose with side-to-side movement, and fail to maintain a vertical position effectively.

Innovation Solution

A seat with a spherical base that includes a fillable void space for added weight, allowing it to maintain stability and vertical position on soft surfaces, while being lightweight for transport, by utilizing water or other materials to provide necessary weight and buoyancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pointed stake or flat base is used at the base of the seat, then the seat can be placed on soft surfaces, but it becomes unstable and loose with side-to-side movement on uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of placement on soft surfaceVSAvoidstability on uneven terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base of the vertical post is shaped as a sphere rather than a pointed stake or flat base. This spherical shape allows the base to roll and adjust on uneven soft surfaces, accommodating side-to-side movement while maintaining stable contact with the ground, thereby resolving the instability problem of conventional base designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical base changes the geometric parameter of the base from linear (pointed stake) or planar (flat base) to spherical curvature. This parameter change enables the base to adapt to uneven terrain through rolling motion, improving stability while maintaining ease of placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If weight is added to the spherical base to maintain vertical position, then stability improves, but the weight of the seat increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical position stabilityVSAvoidweight of seat

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical base acts as a counterweight mechanism where its mass and spherical geometry create a stable pivot point that resists tipping forces. The base's weight distribution and spherical shape work together to maintain vertical position without requiring additional heavy components, balancing stability with portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The spherical base design provides predictable stability and reduces the weight of the seat, allowing it to remain upright on uneven soft surfaces, accommodating side-to-side movement and ensuring the user's safety and agility during outdoor activities.

Implementation Method 1

a fillable void space configured to be filled with water, mud, or other matter for added weight in the spherical base to maintain the seat in a vertical position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS10681989B2Marsh seat

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 MARSH ROBERT E

AI summary

This invention is a seat for use on mud or similar soft surfaces having a spherical base that contacts the soft surface. The spherical base preferably includes a fillable void space configured to be filled with water, mud, or other matter for added weight in the spherical base to maintain the seat in a vertical position.